I support maintaining high standards for PWD certification to promote exceptionalism in the profession.  The only change to the certification process I support changing would be the elimination of the requirement that one of the three required references for certification be from an individual whom has already obtained the PWD certification.

Currently, I am preparing for the PWD exam scheduled for fall 2024. However, securing a PWD reference has proven challenging. My organization has clients who are P.E.’s and P.G.’s, willing to vouch the skills and abilities of not only myself, but others with my company in preparing JD’s and 404/VWPP permits over the last 20+ years. Unfortunately, this doesn't align with the current requirements. PWDs appear to be scarce in our region (Wytheville, VA, and west).

My company's primary work location is in far southwest Virginia, specifically Abingdon/Bristol, with many clients situated in the Cumberland Plateau where streams, rather than wetlands, are the primary concern. It is my opinion that due to the focus on streams in our region, DEQ never promoted the PWD in our part of the state until 2023. While I fully intend on obtaining my PWD certification and upholding high professional standards, I have concerns about the existing PWD reference requirement acting as a barrier to entry, especially in my company's rural part of the state.